Gestalt Practice and Arts-Based Training for Leadership, Innovation and Change Management Skills

Abstract

Gestalt practice and arts-based training has been examined and evaluated using evidence from the literature and personal experience. Gestalt practice allows the training and learning process to take into account the intrapersonal as well as the interpersonal aspects of the group and the individuals involved: the resulting knowledge and understanding can be used to the benefit of learners. Gestalt practice is in essence a highly experiential approach and, as such, provides space for active experimentation in a training or coaching session. By combining Gestalt concepts with experimentation from the arts, a significant methodology for teaching soft skills and helping learners to acquire leadership, innovation and change management skills can be developed. Insights are provided into how a combination of Gestalt practice and arts-based training can benefit organizations and individuals. Arts-based training is evaluated by using Kirkpatrick's four levels of rigour framework (reaction, learning, behaviour and results). It was observed that a paradigm shift in training and education is in progress, from what has been referred to in the literature as the ‘logico-rational Anglo-Saxon’ model to a more flexible and holistic model that encompasses emotions, feelings and the human body.